It is Sunday in the City of Brotherly Love, and Arizona is not expecting “love”; ugly is as ugly does. A messy departure that stunned and unprepared the Philadelphia Eagles for the role of defensive coordinator. Prior to the Super Bowl, Gannon was being contacted by newly appointed Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort. A claim that subsequently revealed draft pick tampering and swapping as payment to Philadelphia. All of this indicates that Jonathan Gannon will have a rough reception in Philadelphia.
Fans of the Cardinals should expect an Arizona team that can be compared to Tyson Spinks, the Detroit Pistons, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their expansion. For those who don’t know or don’t recall, Tampa lost 26 straight games when they first entered the NFL. Yes, from 1983 to 1996, they also had 14 losing seasons in a row. Radical changes to the team’s colors and uniform design ultimately resulted in—wait for it—winning.
That expresses it in one way.
In his first season in Arizona, Gannon has been fascinating to watch. Nothing particularly excellent or awful, but also nothing to convince you that he is an excellent choice for head coach. He knows how to say the correct things. His “coach speak” is on par with most. However, he is not into fire and brimstone. As though practicing lines for a press conference, he ambles down the sidelines. He is not a big risk-taker and his decision-making abilities have never been put to the test. What better occasion to push the envelope of the usual during a season of 3–12?
Against Kansas City in the previous year’s Super Bowl, Gannon was by no means outstanding. A series of big plays were given up by his defense, forcing Jalen Hurts and the offense to save him. Both Philadelphia’s players and supporters were aware that he was losing. Given the nature of team sports, Gannon was on an island at the conclusion of the match, but he knew he would shortly board a plane to Phoenix.
Some within and around the Eagles question whether his impending departure affected his decision-making at the most crucial moment. It’s a valid question, and on his return to Philadelphia, players and supporters will aptly remind him of a squandered chance.
In true Arizona Cardinals fashion, ugly is as ugly does
Is evaluating Gannon in 2023 unfair? Depending on who you ask, yes. The Cardinals’ regular supporters, who applaud him greatly, will also be kind to underachiever Kyler Murray.
As ugly does, ugly is. Evocative of the 2023 campaign and the welcome Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon will receive on Sunday. If 2024 doesn’t demonstrate a significant improvement over a lost career starter, boos might be heard.
Primary Image Credit: Arizona Republic Syndication
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